You could spend a lifetime exploring the USA Dropdown content and still not see it all. The world’s third-most populous and fourth-largest country offers every imaginable opportunity for travellers. You could see the beaches of California or the mountains of Colorado, the farmlands of the Midwest or the cities of the East Coast. With so much to see, it helps to have a game plan. Pairing some of the country’s most iconic events with each of the major regions across America, here are seven of the best states to visit in the USA in 2020. Make sure to check the event's websites beforehand for dates and potential cancellations and postponements. And just remember: you can save the other 43 for next time.
From rural villages to cities and mountains to ocean, you can discover every bit of America within the borders of
Start your excursion in sunny
For one of the best drives in America (and the world), cruise with the windows down along the Pacific Coast Highway all the way from Southern California to the breathtakingly romantic city of
Best for city views in San Francisco: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco with a beautiful top-floor restaurant
Best for lake views in Lake Tahoe: Lakeland Village at Heavenly with a private beach area
For first-timers in Los Angeles: LA Grand Tour
For a day tour to Yosemite: Small group tour to Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point
Bixby Bridge on California's Pacific Highway One © Bmstockstudio/Shutterstock
With the exception of maybe California, few states are as beautiful as
Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in America – and one of Rough Guides'
Meanwhile, the Aspen Art Museum is helping to prove there is more to the world-famous town of Aspen than skiing. Of course, the skiing there continues to be phenomenal. Year-round festivities continue in smaller towns across the state such as the Montrose Wine and Food Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The only place better to see a concert than surrounded by the gorgeous mountain peaks of Telluride? Maybe the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre outside Denver. And even that’s a toss-up.
Best for families in Denver: Homewood Suites - Denver Downtown Convention Center
Best romantic getaway to Aspen: Mountain Chalet Aspen
Best for mountain lovers: Day Tour to the Rocky Mountains from Denver or Boulder
Best for adventures: Zipline in the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge just outside Denver, Colorado © Dr. Alan Lipkin/Shutterstock
As such, it is a wildly popular winter getaway for “snowbirds” across the country. Many tourists head to the theme parks of
The city is worth a visit any time of year. Enjoy its glorious beaches and raging dance parties (check out the Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival) The Florida Keys are another popular party spot, with a thriving LGBTQ scene. For a calmer experience, head across the alligator-filled everglades to Florida’s lesser-visited west coast. Kick back on the beach in quiet coastal communities like Marco Island and Sanibel to bask in the full serene beauty of the Sunshine State.
Best for the family: The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, just a 10 minutes drive from Disneyland
Best for an island getaway: The Lime Tree Bay Resort with a private beach on Long Key
Best for foodies: Little Havana Walking Food Tour in Miami
Best ocean views: Parasailing in Biscayne Bay
Ocean Drive - Miami's Art Deco heartland © Richard Goldberg/Shutterstock
2020 marks the 400th year since the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth,
History is everywhere you look in
Be sure to get out of the city and explore the windswept coastal beauty of Cape Cod, home to iconic island retreats such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Cape Cod offers an endless assortment of charming small towns such as Provincetown (or P-town, as the locals call it.) You’ll never want to leave.
Best for a family stay on the coast: Cape Codder Resort & Spa with an extensive indoor water park
Best for city vibes: YOTEL Boston
Best for food connoisseurs: Classic Bites of Boston and optional beer tasting
Best for curious families: Boston Tea Party: Ships and Museum Interactive Tour
Summer in Harwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts © J.A. Johnson/Shutterstock
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To truly 'get' the USA, you must experience all of its regions. And while the Midwest isn’t high on most international traveller’s agendas, it's as essential to understanding America as New York City or Washington DC.
Get out of the cities to enjoy a true slice of Americana by fishing, hunting, or snowmobiling in small towns like Eagle River. Or, relax lakeside with a cold drink in hand at resort communities like Lake Geneva and Door County. Then keep the party going in the state capital of Madison, one of the best college towns in America.
Best for city stays: Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Best for exploring Madison: Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown
Take the family on an exciting scavenger hunt through Milwaukee. Discover the hidden gems with your smartphone and learn about the German heritage, cheese curds and the fantastic brewing traditions.
Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin © F11photo/Shutterstock
There’s far more to
Speaking of what’s nearby, the gorgeous mountain town of Park City is the state’s premier ski community, which also plays host to the star-studded Sundance Film Festival. Yet Utah is also one of the most diverse states in the country, with the southern section of the state boasting a red-hued desert landscape diametrically opposed to the more urban and mountainous northern part.
The de-facto capital of this region is the fast-growing town of St. George, from which you can explore an abundance of outdoor adventure. This includes five of America’s most scenic national parks (known as “the Big Five” including
Best for family adventures in St George: Desert Garden Inn, A Trademark Collection Hotel
Best for city stays: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square
Best for adventures: 1h ATV riding in Bryce Canyon
Best for families: Dinner boat cruise on the Colorado River with a sound and light show
Zion National Park – one of our best states to visit in the USA © Calin Tatu/Shutterstock
No exploration of America is complete without a visit to the culture-packed American South. And no city in America is more unique than
Head away from the French Quarter to experience less tourist-dense areas of the city such as hip Bywater or the more residential Uptown. Both areas are dotted with their fair share of A-list bars and music clubs like Vaughan's Lounge and The Maple Leaf. Then make your way north along the mighty Mississippi River to the state capital of Baton Rouge to see a football game at Tiger Stadium (a.k.a. Death Valley) on the campus of Louisiana State University (LSU). Suddenly, you’ll understand all you need to know about the USA.
Best to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans: Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans
Best for families in New Orleans: Hampton Inn Downtown/French Quarter Area
Best for a family day out: 2h swamp tour to look out for alligators
Best for a romantic night out: Evening Jazz Cruise
A paddle steamer on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Lousiana © f11photo/Shutterstock
Looking to explore the US in depth? Our local expert specializes on unique guided day tours in selected cities in the US and can help you booking transportation and accommodation all over the country. Take a look at the
Top image: Bixby Bridge on California's Pacific Highway One © bmstockstudio/Shutterstock